"Systemtap 2.0 includes a new prototype backend, which uses DynInst to instrument a user's own binaries at runtime. This backend does not use kernel modules, and does not require root privileges, but is restricted with respect to the kinds of probes and other constructs that a script may use."

Feature Name: Systemtap 2.0

Summary

Owner

Current status

Targeted release: Fedora 18

Last updated: 2012-07-24

Percentage of completion: 90%

Detailed Description

For this next major release of systemtap, the team is hoping to deliver an optional
new backend that allows unprivileged users to instrument their programs, without any
kernel module building or root privileges.

Dependencies

Contingency Plan

If the pure-userspace work is not completed in time, the then-newest upstream systemtap
can be issued for Fedora 18 (version 1.8, already in fedora-updates), and a later dyninst-capable version would be issued as a future update.

Documentation

TBD.

Release Notes

"Systemtap 2.0 includes a new prototype backend, which uses DynInst to instrument a user's own binaries at runtime. This backend does not use kernel modules, and does not require root privileges, but is restricted with respect to the kinds of probes and other constructs that a script may use."